Sweet Summer Taproom Trends 2024

Let's dive into the summer trends from around the US. We will explore taproom trends, focusing on what activities consumers are seeking, products that are trending up or down, and what’s driving growth for breweries.

Taproom Activities: This summer, taprooms are becoming community hubs. Consumers are flocking to outdoor spaces with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly events. Trivia nights, brewery tours, and special tasting events are drawing larger crowds, creating an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Product Trends: On the product front, fruity and refreshing beers are taking center stage. Sours, fruit-infused IPAs, and light lagers are seeing a surge in popularity, perfectly aligning with the warm weather. Hard seltzers and non-alcoholic craft beverages are also making a significant impact, catering to health-conscious consumers and designated drivers. Conversely, heavy stouts and porters are experiencing a seasonal decline, as consumers prefer lighter options in the heat.

Growth Drivers: Several factors are driving brewery growth this summer. Sustainability and local sourcing are major trends, with breweries emphasizing eco-friendly practices and locally sourced ingredients. The rise of beer tourism is also notable, as travelers seek out unique brewery experiences. Additionally, digital engagement through social media and brewery apps is helping breweries connect with their audience, promote events, and drive traffic to taprooms.

In summary, summer trends in the craft brewery scene are all about creating vibrant, inclusive experiences, offering refreshing products, and leveraging sustainability and digital engagement to foster growth.

Panelists:

• Kristen Ballinger (AleSmith Brewing Company)
• Nicole Smith (South Lake Brewing Company)

Moderator: Dan Hornbrook (MarketMyBrewery)

Thank you to Beer30 by The 5th Ingredient and MarketMyBrewery for helping keep our community and content 100% free and accessible to all Craft Beer Professionals.

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San Diego, CA | December 10-12, 2024

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